P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Robert Kubica became the first driver to put a privately-entered, non-factory car on pole in Hypercar class history in the FIA World Endurance Championship, in the fifth round of the FIA World Endurance Championship, the Lone Star Le Mans at Circuit of the Americas. Kubica;’s Ferrari stablemate, Antonio Giovinazzi, took second in the factory #51 […]
Robert Kubica made history by securing pole position with a privately-entered, non-factory car in the Hypercar class during the fifth round of the FIA World Endurance Championship, the Lone Star Le Mans at Circuit of the Americas. Antonio Giovinazzi in the factory #51 Ferrari took second, with Jean-Eric Vergne in the #93 Peugeot coming in third. The tight Hypercar qualifying session saw intense competition, as every car aimed to quickly set a fast lap due to concerns of worsening conditions. Ultimately, Nico Varrone in the #99 Proton Competition Porsche set the fastest time with a 1:58.156, followed closely by Kubica in second and Kevin Estre in the #6 Porsche in third.
Despite challenging decisions regarding tire choice, the Cadillac JOTA team found themselves at a disadvantage, struggling with tire warming and finishing at the bottom of the classification. In the Hyperpole session, Kubica set an impressive 1:57.655, securing pole position ahead of Giovinazzi and Estre. The session was marked by changing weather conditions, with rain affecting lap times and creating challenges for the drivers.
Jean-Eric Vergne managed to secure third place in the #93 Peugeot, followed by Estre in fourth and Nicklas Nielsen in the #50 Ferrari claiming fifth. Nico Varrone, who impressed in the initial qualifying session, took sixth place in the #99 Proton Porsche.
